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Bogota travel guide

Bogota is most visitor's first experience of Colombia, and in
many ways this city encapsulates the attraction, history and modern
reinvention of the continent's most tarnished tourism jewel.
Despite modest tourist numbers, Bogota is actually South America's
fourth largest city, and Colombia's financial and industrial
centre. Founded in 1538, the city occupies a glorious position
8,500 feet (2,600m) above sea level, in sight of the Cordillera
mountain range.

In the 1980s, Bogota's longstanding reputation for cultural
glory and cosmopolitan life gave way to the corruption and violence
of the narco-traffic era. It is only in recent years that Bogota
has regained its appeal and now ranks as one of the safest cities
on the continent, thanks to modern urban planning and a huge
emphasis on urban security.

The best of the city is in a condensed area near the centre. La
Candelaria is famed for its colonial architecture, culture and
arts. The residential portion's distinctive wooden balconies and
clay tiled roofs are very photogenic, while the many cafes,
churches and museums reward exploration. The Plaza del Bolivar is
ringed with handsome buildings and sites of interest, including the
Palace of Justice, Capitol Building and Arzobispal Palace. The
nearby Museo del Oro is a fabulous treasure trove of antique
gold.

Bogota has a hugely vibrant modern side, too. Its gourmet scene
and nightclubs are cutting edge, while boutique shops and design
centres seem to open weekly. There is little doubt that Bogota has
decisively shed its seedy image to become an essential and highly
rewarding stop on any South American itinerary.

Location: The airport is located eight miles (13km) northwest of
the centre of Bogota.Time: Local time is GMT -5.Contacts: Tel: +57 (0)1 266 20 00.Transfer between terminals: Free shuttle buses run frequently between the two terminals.Getting to the city: Travelling time is about 40 minutes into Bogota. Public buses
serve the airport but are not recommended for visitors. Visitors
are advised to arrange airport transfers with their hotels or hosts
in advance of arrival, but if this is not possible taxis are
available at the airport.Car rental: Car rental is possible at the airport. Driving in Colombia is
risky and it is recommended that visitors hire a car with a driver,
rather than opting to self-drive.Airport Taxis: Taxi booths are located in the terminals where passengers should
book taxis and receive a receipt for the fare, agreed in advance.
It takes about 40 minutes to get into central Bogota. Facilities: There are two passenger terminals, with a branch of the Banco
Popular situated in the main terminal which changes cash at good
rates. ATMs are also available. On the first floor of the terminal
are snack bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. Parking: Both short and long-term parking is available at the
airport. Website:www.bogota-airport.com

While there are several public transport options in Bogota, the
locals will often recommend taking taxis, which are generally
inexpensive. As with anywhere in the world, insist that the meter
is running. A bus rapid transit system called the TransMilenio
serves the greater city area. The elevated stations are easy to
spot and fairly user friendly. Other options include buses, busetas
(small buses) and colectivos (minibuses), which indicate where
they're going with a sign in the front window. Fares are shown on
the door. There are very few official bus stops; passengers rather
just flag down the bus they need. Bogota also has an extensive
bicycle network, and on Sundays certain areas are declared
traffic-free.

Bogota, located towards the centre of Colombia, has a
subtropical highland climate. This capital city is notoriously
overcast, with fog rolling in early in the morning on an average of
220 days a year. At 8,661 feet (2,640m), the high altitude of the
city means year-round temperatures are fairly moderate, with an
annual average of 58°F (14°C). The driest time of the year, between
December and March, is the best time to pay Bogota a visit. This
period is also the warmest time of year, with March having an
average temperature of 68°F (20°C). April, May, September, October
and November are the rainiest months, with average maximum
temperatures of 64°F (18°C) and lows of 45°F (7°C). While the
temperatures don't fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, a
single day can seemingly have several seasons in Bogota. Visitors
should dress in layers and prepare for everything, as a sunny
morning can end with an afternoon thunderstorm - the locals know
this as sol de lluvia, which translates to 'rain's sun'.